Focus – Automation

Bosch Rexroth offers ctrlX AUTOMATION open automation platform

With the new ctrlX AUTOMATION platform, Bosch Rexroth has eradicated the traditional boundaries between machine control systems, IT and the Internet of Things. Centralized and decentralized automation topologies can now be created flexibly with the scalable platform. With a Linux real-time operating system, open standards, app programming technology, web-based engineering and a comprehensive IoT connection, ctrlX AUTOMATION reduces the engineering time and effort by 30% - 50%. ctrlX AUTOMATION offers the choice to program in IEC 61131, PLCopen or G-Code, or in other conventional high-level or Internet languages. Configuration and commissioning of automation components is completely web-based, eliminating the need to install software. Also, a virtual ctrlX AUTOMATION system environment is available, enabling programming without hardware. The company says that ctrlX AUTOMATION cuts the engineering time and effort by 30% to 50%.

Photo courtesy of Bosch Rexroth

Focus – Automation

Festo Adds Solutions to Compressed Air Energy Saving Platform

Festo has expanded its intelligent pneumatic energy savings platform with the MSE6-C2M (C2M) and the MSE6-D2M (D2M). These modules can pay for themselves in less than a year with the energy savings accrued, says the company. The platform provides actionable information that supports quality production. The modules automatically shut off the air supply to a machine when in standby mode, thus reducing energy consumption. They monitor system pressure and flow information in real time and enable faster response to compressed air leaks. The units flow up to 5,000 liters of compressed air per minute; program easily; connect to Festo MS series air preparation units, including the MS6-SV safety valve; and are suitable for new and existing machines. The C2M combines a proportional pressure regulator, on/off valve, sensors and fieldbus communication. It monitors the flow rate and, when production is not taking place, automatically shuts off after a defined idle time. The D2M module is similar, yet completely depressurizes the system and provides leakage detection and process data acquisition for condition monitoring.

Photo courtesy of Festo

Photo courtesy of Amcor

Amcor Launches Recyclable Shrink Bag for Meat and Cheese

Amcor launched Eco-Tite® R in Europe, the first designed to be recycled, PVDC-free shrink bag for fresh and processed meat, poultry and some cheeses. Eco-Tite® R is designed to maximize shelf life, maintain food safety, reduce food waste and can be recycled in existing polyethylene (PE) plastic recycling streams. The multi-layer, mono-PE packaging maintains a high barrier to oxygen and water vapor even when exposed to high-moisture environments, such as cooler cases and refrigerators. This solution provides European meat and cheese producers an alternative to PVDC packaging, which is not recyclable in mechanical or chemical recycling systems. The new shrink bag has been certified by the cyclos-HTP institute, an independent testing lab. Consumers can today recycle the bag where suitable infrastructure is in place, including Germany, France and Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Austria and Spain. Recyclability of the new shrink bag will grow as infrastructure develops in additional countries.

amcor.com

Photo courtesy of Vericool

Vericool Launches Vaccine Recyclable and Compostable Shipping Cooler

Vericool has developed a worldwide sustainable thermal solution for shipping COVID-19 vaccines that is both recyclable and compostable. This shipping solution will eliminate the potential need for millions of EPS (Styrofoam) coolers that are non-environmentally friendly. The company has the highest performing environmentally friendly coolers for frozen applications in the industry. The new vaccine shipping containers have passed all in-house testing and are now finalizing 3rd party qualifications, which will conclude in two to three weeks with expected shipping in January 2021. These high-performing recyclable and compostable shippers will maintain temperatures of -20°C (-4°F) to -70°C (-94°F) or greater for a duration of up to 96hrs. The small- to medium-sized, ready-to-go shippers are made in the U.S. and designed to transport eight to 16 syringe dosages.

vericoolpackaging.com

Photo courtesy of IMA Dairy & Food

IMA Dairy & Food Introduces Cost-Saving Pouch-Making Machine

IMA DAIRY & FOOD US has introduced a portfolio of high-speed, continuous motion rotary machines for assembling, filling and sealing spouted pouches in various shapes and sizes. Offering significant cost savings when compared to buying premade pouches, the Ermetika Series has four models whose output capacities range from 120 to 480 pouches per minute– far faster than intermittent motion modules. The series offers premium levels of efficiency and quality suitable for a wide array of food and dairy products. Strict segregation of pouch making and filling areas lends itself to exemplary levels of hygiene, and its fill-through-the-spout system allows for complete-to-compacity pouch fills, avoiding costly materials wastage. The versatile machines can nimbly accommodate films, spouts and caps from different suppliers, and can produce an exceedingly broad range of pouch shapes and sizes. Fitted with a patent-pending leak test system, the Ermetika line is the only machine series capable of validating the resistance of the pouch seal.

imadairyfood.com

JANUARY 2021

packagingstrategies.com

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